Palm Beach, the conservative Sydney neighborhood almost unchanged by time
From WestConnex to the Sydney Metro, the city is abuzz with major infrastructure projects.
Palm Beach, the jewel of the northern beaches, recently received its own dose of government largesse, according to David Edwards, the licensee of LJ Hooker Palm Beach.
“About 12 months ago they put a pedestrian crossing between the Pittwater ferry wharf and Wayne’s general store,” Edwards says. “That was a big thing.”
The neighbourhood is characterised by trees, clean water, beaches and some cafes. Photo: Wolter Peeters
With its unwavering commitment to the conservative side of politics, Palm Beach has clearly missed the pork-barrel boat.
What it lacks in big-ticket spending, it makes up for with spectacular views, beautiful beaches and some mighty fine real estate.
“Palm Beach is quite an idyllic suburb. It probably hasn’t changed dramatically in the last 30 or 40 years.
The Boathouse is a Palm Beach favourite. Photo: Jennifer Soo
That’s one of the things people really love about it,” Edwards says.
“There are lots of trees, clean water, beaches, some cafes and curiosity shops.
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There’s one road in and one road out, no major shopping centres, no medium-density housing.”
The agent estimates nearly 85 per cent of the 970 or so homes in the suburb are weekenders, slightly down from a decade ago as high-speed internet has made working from home more viable.
In smooth traffic, the CBD is an hour away by car.
Palm Beach’s few apartments start at about $1.5 million. Freestanding houses are fetching upwards of $1.8 million.
At the other end of the spectrum, Edwards handled the sale of the plantation-style trophy home Kalua, which smashed the suburb record when it changed hands for $22 million in 2012.
The median price for houses in Palm Beach is $2,525,000 and the median price for units is $781,000.
Local Listings
2B Surf Road, Palm Beach. Photo: Supplied
When the owners of this property started clearing the land to build their own home, they discovered an unexpected surprise: hidden under dense bushland was a sandstone cottage dating back to the 1940s.
The cottage has been cleaned and could be updated.
The main five-bedroom house offers Pittwater and bushland views.
LJ Hooker Palm Beach have set the price guide at $2.25 million to $2.5 million.
54 Bynya Road, Palm Beach. Photo: Supplied
Designed by Glenn Murcutt AO, Donaldson House has been on the market since April.
The home, completed late last year, is barely visible from the street, sitting below a sandstone crop.
Living spaces and bedrooms are positioned to take advantage of natural light.
Finishes include sealed concrete floors, hoop-pine lined windows and a tapestry by Victor Vasarely.
It’s for sale by private treaty with a guide of $4.1 million through Modern House Estate Agents.
See more of 54 Bynya Road here or download the Domain app for more Palm Beach listings
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